As a graduate of the Web and Interactive Design Bachelor’s specialization, you will be able to conceptualize, plan, design, produce and implement successful design solutions to complex visual projects. You will understand and implement advanced theories of design and interactivity, web design, user experience design, project management and portfolio development with a focus on creating and combining multiple forms of media with a high level of craft and proficiency to generate interactive and web-based projects involving graphic, video and audio assets.

View courses and cost per credit for our Web and Interactive Design Bachelor's degree. Courses, course names and cost per credit may vary by location. Download your state specific catalog for more information.

Course listings are subject to change. Please see our course catalog and/or addendum for most current listings.

Web and Interactive Design Bachelor's Degree Course List

Major and Core Courses

Interactive Publishing

Graphic Design History

Advanced Typography

Advanced Color Theory

Advanced Digital Photography

The Business of Digital Media

Advanced Motion Graphics

Advanced User Experience Design

Media Campaign Design

Digital Short Film Project

Advanced Portfolio Development

This course builds on prior coursework in interactive media, animation, motion graphics, kinetic typography, audio, and video. The course focuses on graphic, interactive, and animation design for mobile devices such as smart phones and tablets. Issues with user interface, user experience, usability, troubleshooting, and compatibility are explored, and strategies are developed to establish best practices.

Prerequisite:User Experience Design

Course ID: NM301Credits: 4

Students will examine the historical, cultural, technological, and social factors that contribute to an understanding of graphic design and its impacts on modern commerce and society. The development of graphic design from 1920 through the end of the 20th century will be a key focus of the course, with a larger focus on the development of graphic design through the digital revolution to present day. Western and non-western graphic design is represented, with a strong emphasis placed on critical analysis, technical analysis, communication, global perspectives, and cultural impacts.

Prerequisite:Art Appreciation

Course ID: NM311Credits: 3

In this course, students will expand their understanding of the use of typography for the successful communication of messages and the enhancement of meaning in visual art and design work. The course will expand on topics such as: information hierarchy, meaning, reading order, and the language of kinetics.

Prerequisite:Typography

Course ID: NM321Credits: 4

This course builds upon the foundations and practices of color theory. In addition to covering more sophisticated methods of color correction, image manipulation and printing, students will learn scanning techniques, digital camera usage, the mechanics of calibration, and other more advanced sets of controls. Students will work within a framework of artistically professional sensibility to develop their own professional workflow and projects.

Prerequisite:Digital Photography

Course ID: NM331Credits: 4

This course will engage students in advanced digital imaging projects, building upon instruction, knowledge, and techniques learned in earlier course work, and contributing to a strong, professional portfolio. Thematic art projects such as a photo essay and theme based art image series will be included. This course will include instruction on: setting project requirements, design elements related to digital images, software interface specifics, input, output, image manipulation, and publishing. Experience in industry standard Adobe software is included in the course.

Prerequisite:Advanced Color Theory

Course ID: NM341Credits: 4

This course is designed to prepare students for multiple levels of project completion across the broad spectrum of digital media such as: concept development, production, project management, and content delivery. Important workforce assets of individual drive and assessment, success within creative teams, management of timelines, deadlines, and budgets, and effective leadership are explored as they pertain to the multimedia development pipeline.

Prerequisite:Portfolio Development

Course ID: N301Credits: 4

Building on knowledge and techniques from Motion Graphics, students will advance their work with compositing video, digital images, 3D animation, vector and pixel graphics, titles, and kinetic typography into professional motion graphics pieces. Film titling, logo bumpers, broadcast titling, and special effects will be explored. Students will build upon and add to their demo reel of motion work. Software training builds on previous knowledge to advance student's skills with a variety of industry-accepted Adobe design software.

Prerequisite:Motion Graphics

Course ID: NM401Credits: 4

Students expand on their knowledge of user experience design to deepen their knowledge of the development process of interfaces and user experiences. Various kinds of software will be examined, from browser-based apps to interfaces for mobile device applications. Authoring software will be employed for demo, testing, and prototyping of interface projects. User data will be planned, test materials such as paper prototypes will be built and tested on user groups, and the data examined then incorporated into user interface projects.

Prerequisite:Interactive Publishing

Course ID: NM411Credits: 4

Students create a project around an original concept, theme, and purpose resulting in a portfolio project that advertises, promotes, or presents a product or service. Some examples may be a new product launch of a real or fictitious product or service, or a public service announcement of a social issue or public concern. The final portfolio piece must contain a component for print, broadcast, and web and may include graphic design, animation, CGI, interactivity, social media, or video. The final project will be presented to the instructor and the class for critique. This course will incorporate a variety of software technology aligned with industry standards.

Prerequisite:Digital Media Project

Course ID: NM420Credits: 4

This course combines the accumulated knowledge of narrative and non-narrative digital film creation as well as motion graphics. The culmination of this knowledge will be a final digital short film project using video, audio, story writing, storyboarding, casting, and production techniques. Students are expected to explore various theories and techniques to complete a professional short film project.

Prerequisite:Advanced Motion Graphics

Course ID: NM430Credits: 4

In this course, students build upon their previous knowledge of portfolio design and construction. Students gather projects from all coursework to date, assess any gaps in their portfolio work, design new projects to fill in those gaps, and incorporate them into their final portfolio. Students will create any documentation needed to incorporate the projects into their portfolio, including, but not limited to: video, image capture, audio recording, 3D renderings, website design, motion graphics, and user interface design. Students will present the included projects within the class to receive feedback from their instructor and colleagues, and then design, build, and assemble a polished web-based portfolio or demo reel as well as a print-ready portfolio.

Prerequisite:Portfolio Development

Course ID: NM441Credits: 4

Choose a Specialization

Web and Interactive Design

Information Architecture for the Web

Web Content Management Systems

Internet History & E-commerce

Search Engines, Optimization & Analytics

Advanced PHP for E-Commerce

Web Capstone Project

This course explores the use of design principles to positively affect the web visitor's experience. Subjects include traditional architecture, industrial design, library science, and software design. Additional topics include the evolving standards of web information architecture, such as navigation structure, financial transactions, screen paradigms, gesturing and redundant linking. The student will learn how to organize content into appropriate categories, develop interfaces to support those categories, and develop key project deliverables.

This course explores open-source, web-based content management systems (CMS) which allow the Web designer to create rich and flexible interactive sites. Using a CMS, a web designer can update a complex web site dynamically and rapidly to meet client needs and visitor expectations. Students will be introduced to key PHP-based content management systems like Joomla, Drupal, and Wordpress, and will develop their own topic and theme-based web sites.

Prerequisite:Information Architecture for the Web

Course ID: NM370Credits: 4

This course focuses on the history and evolution of the Internet including its influence on business applications for government, corporate, and retail sectors. Various topics will be explored including business structures and operations, communications and data-transfer protocols, web browsers, browser development history and compatibility issues, web security, and E-commerce. Strategies and organizational models for web-based businesses are emphasized, with a focus on the impact of E-commerce on consumerism, customer relations, advertising, and site maintenance.

Prerequisite:Web Content Management Systems

Course ID: NM490Credits: 4

This course introduces the student to the optimization of web sites for search engine placement. The student will learn how search engines collect and organize information and make it useful and accessible. Search engines and search results will be examined for their impact on information access, copyright and privacy issues, and the changing business landscape. Students will research techniques such as metatags, copywriting techniques, header and footer optimization, site submission, and linking methods used to improve site ranking and guide visitors to business sources or information. The course also examines how to track the success—or failure—of those procedures.

Prerequisite:Mobile Web Design and Internet History & E-Commerce

Course ID: NM380Credits: 4

This course delves further into the use of server-side scripting and the development of web sites utilizing dynamic databases. Students will apply e-commerce concepts and knowledge of information architecture to develop a reliable, stable, expandable, and secure infrastructure for e-commerce, including content development and shopping cart management. Students will learn how to use PHP to collect visitor information and interact with a MySQL database.

Prerequisite:Web Content Management Systems

Course ID: NM471Credits: 4

Students will apply their accumulated knowledge of web design and interactivity to create a dynamic, interactive, multi-level website. The culmination of this knowledge will be a comprehensive site delivered online utilizing industry-standard development techniques, languages, and interactive components for multiple devices.

Prerequisite:Advanced PHP for E-Commerce

Course ID: NM491Credits: 3

Choose a Specialization

Animation and Motion Graphics

Animation History

Advanced 3D Modeling

Digital Effects

Advanced Character Modeling

Advanced 3D Rigging

Animation Capstone Project

Students will examine the historical, cultural, technological, and social factors that contribute to the development of animation as a commercial and experimental art form. Key animated films from the turn of the 20th century to present by independent filmmakers as well as larger production houses will be viewed and discussed with an emphasis on critical analysis. A strong emphasis is placed on writing, critical thinking, information literacy, global perspectives, and cultural impacts.

Prerequisite:Introduction to Animation

Course ID: NM350Credits: 4

This course is designed to explore advanced techniques of 3D modeling. Students refine modeling techniques, texture, lighting, and environmental effects to create one original portfolio-quality project. Further development of primitive objects, polygon modeling, nurbs, booleans, extrusions, lofting, and revolving/lathing will be explored. This course will provide additional training in industry-standard 3D design software.

Prerequisite:3D Modeling

Course ID: NM361Credits: 4

This course focuses on the use and application of effects in film and video at an advanced, post-production level. Professional methods of controlling digital and video representation and 3D effects are examined. Students exhibit a mastery of the digital workflow by compositing footage, digital imagery, and computer graphics. Topics include virtual cinematography, morphing, lighting, rendering, particle effects, dynamics, camera properties, motion tracking, and filters.

Prerequisite:Advanced Motion Graphics

Course ID: NM450Credits: 4

This course is designed to explore advanced techniques of 3D character creation and effects. During this course students will explore advanced 3D modeling and animation theory as well as principles that focus on character design and animation as it applies to virtual environments. Theories and principles of modeling and animation are applied to the context of interactive narratives, simulations, and games. Students will engage in the study of character rigging for games, advanced animation, morphing and blending, and other techniques to create expressive characters.

Prerequisite:Advanced 3D Modeling

Course ID: NM460Credits: 4

In this course, students expand on knowledge from 3D modeling, rigging, and animation to explore advanced techniques of rigging such as: facial rigging, deformation rigs, rigging non-human format characters, analysis of musculature for weight painting, and rigging refinement for precise articulation. This course will further prepare a student for industry certification in Autodesk software.

Prerequisite:Advanced Character Modeling

Course ID: NM470Credits: 4

Students will apply their accumulated knowledge of animation and motion graphics to create an original animated short. The culmination of this knowledge will be a final animation project using 2D and/or 3D animation techniques. Students will explore various theories and techniques to complete a professional animation project.

Prerequisite:Advanced 3D Rigging

Course ID: NM483Credits: 3

Lower Division

Design Foundations

Drawing from Observation

Typography

Digital Illustration

Color Theory

Introduction to Animation

Interactive Media

Audio/Video Editing

Print Design

User Experience Design

Digital Photography

Career Development

Motion Graphics

Digital Media Project

Portfolio Development

In this course students will learn the foundational principles and elements of art & design and explore them through digital design. Theory of each principle and element will be supported by hands-on exercises in which students will apply what they have learned. Examples from the history of art & design will be used to support and explain each new concept. Balance, value, repetition, unity & variety, contrast, dominance, scale, line, shape & form, depth, direction, texture, color, and value will be presented. This course will provide basic training and exploration in a variety of industry-standard design software. Emphasis will be placed on exploration of basic foundation principles through original compositional designs.

Prerequisite:none

Course ID: NM105Credits: 3

Prerequisite:none

Course ID: NM112Credits: 3

This course focuses on the fundamentals of typography and introduces the students to aspects of type for display and text design. Students become familiar with the categories of type and a variety of font families. They also become proficient at choosing fonts to match a specific message. This course will provide training in a variety of industry-accepted Adobe design software.

Prerequisite:Design Foundations

Course ID: NM121Credits: 3

In this course students will create illustrations with industry standard digital software. Concepts and themes developed into visual painted and drawn messages will be explored. Illustrations will be created for print and screen. The process of illustrating an idea or story, from thumbnails to sketching, color and style studies, color comprehensives, to final illustrations, will be presented.

Prerequisite:Design Foundations and Drawing for Observation

Course ID: NM140Credits: 3

This course offers methods and exercises for the study of color theory using creative software. Exploring color on the computer holds the advantage of speedy experimentation with many color techniques and solutions, as well as immediate application to projects. The digital approach used in this course will give students knowledge and practice that is immediately relevant as the student moves from color study to color application.

Prerequisite:Design Foundations

Course ID: NM120Credits: 3

This course introduces students to the 12 basic principles as well as the processes of animation. Student will learn about research, pre-visualization, storyboarding, animatics, character model sheets, and other processes integral to accomplishing a final animated film. Sketches and source imagery are utilized to effectively communicate ideas for time-based media. Documentation techniques are employed to chart progress with character and scene development, as well as cameras and lighting. Students will be able to relate the 12 basic principles to examples from animation history while applying them through hands-on analog and digital projects.

Prerequisite:Design Foundations

Course ID: NM150Credits: 3

This course is a study of the integration of components used in multimedia applications using authoring software. Students use industry-standard software as well as skills developed in earlier coursework to produce interactive projects that incorporate graphics, sound, and interactive elements. Combining multimedia elements into HTML pages are explored. This course will provide training in a variety of industry-accepted Adobe design software.

Prerequisite:Introduction to Animation and Typography

Course ID: NM200Credits: 3

Students learn the theory and processes of audio/video editing using non-linear editing software on the desktop. Exercises in production and post-production techniques will be applied for various delivery media. Students produce and edit a series of short videos for video, disk and Internet applications. This course will provide training in a variety of industry-accepted Adobe design software.

Prerequisite:Interactive Media

Course ID: NM130Credits: 3

This course utilizes techniques associated with designing computer graphics and multi-page and package design for both desktop publishing and digital distribution. Students will learn professional practices in proper file setup, saving and exporting, and delivery. Emphasis is on the exploration of combining illustration, images, and type in an effective manner while working toward industry-standard published files primarily in printed form.

Building upon skills already accomplished in earlier course work, students will advance their skills, aesthetic, and technique in digital image making. Professional artist's sample work will be viewed, analyzed, deconstructed, and discussed in terms of concept, message, technique, and approach. A variety of techniques for digital image-based art making will be demonstrated, explored, and practiced. Images will be combined with typographic and written messages. Image output for print, screen, and broadcast will be presented. Software training builds on previous knowledge to advance student's skills with a variety of industry-accepted Adobe design software.

Prerequisite:Color Theory

Course ID: NM230Credits: 3

This course is designed to study the personal and professional characteristics necessary for obtaining and maintaining suitable employment. The student will assemble a complete job-seeking portfolio including his/her resume and references, letters of application and appreciation, documentation of work and educational history, and demonstration of skills through examples of student work. The course includes an in-depth study of self-marketing approaches, job interviewing techniques and professionalism as well as participation in a mock interview.

This course is a culmination of a student's accumulated knowledge in narrative and non-narrative digital film creation. Students will produce a proposed film idea from concept to final presentation. Brainstorming, story writing, casting, storyboarding, animatic, character creation, animation, audio and video recording and production, camera techniques, digital capturing/rendering, non-linear editing, post production, titling, compositing, and final output will be evaluated in the final piece. The course will culminate in a screening of final student films.

Prerequisite:Motion Graphics

Course ID: NM251Credits: 3

In this course, students create an industry-quality portfolio consisting of enhanced and updated projects from previous classes as well as newly created projects. Students will create a final portfolio/demo reel using a consistent theme and targeting an intended market based on what career path they are pursuing. This course will provide training in a variety of industry-accepted Adobe design software.

Prerequisite:User Experience Design

Course ID: NM261Credits: 3

Choose a Specialization

Web & Interactive Design

Fundamentals of Web Design

User-Centered Web Design

Introduction to Web Scripting

Scripting for Web Servers

Mobile Web Design

This course is an introduction to the World Wide Web and the design and development of web sites. It provides a foundation in the planning, designing, and production of web pages through the creation of HTML and CSS using industry-standard web development software. Key components of the course include web design principles, the planning and management of content and structure, optimized image production, web typography and usability.

Prerequisite:Interactive Media

Course ID: NM132Credits: 3

This course builds upon the fundamentals of web development with a focus on user-centered design. Expanding upon basic HTML and style sheets, the student is introduced to best practices, interface design, and the development of flexible, multi-use sites. Usability and accessibility are also explored in greater depth, using advanced web development tools. Needs of the visitor will be examined, including detecting and responding to the visitor's browser, as well as utilizing the advanced media capabilities of HTML5 and CSS.

Prerequisite:Fundamentals of Web Design and User Experience Design

Course ID: NM160Credits: 3

This course introduces the advanced interaction capabilities enabled through the use of client-side scripting languages. Students are introduced to basic logic and programming concepts, with a focus on Javascript and AJAX (Asynchronous Javascript and XML). Enhancement of usability and function are explored and emphasized, with attention on collecting and validating user information and interacting with the site visitor.

Prerequisite:Fundamentals of Web Design

Course ID: NM170Credits: 3

This course delves deeper into the power of web development through server-side programming. Building upon Introduction to Web Scripting, the student will explore and interact with server-side databases and collect and manipulate data using general PHP scripting language. Students will create dynamic content for web pages to perform simple calculations, collect visitor information, and interact with basic databases.

Prerequisite:Introduction to Web Scripting

Course ID: NM281Credits: 3

This course focuses on current trends in web usage, specifically on the expansion of mobile platforms from laptops to tablets and smartphones. Emphasis is placed on responsive design: creating cross-platform web sites that provide equal and optimal usability across a wide range of devices, screen sizes, and resolutions. Various web tools and techniques are utilized to provide a fluid and flexible experience for the web visitor.

Prerequisite:User-Centered Web Design

Course ID: NM290Credits: 3

Animation & Motion Graphics

Figure Drawing

3D Modeling

3D Lighting, Texturing & Rendering

3D Animation

Character Modeling

Basics of structure and anatomy of the human figure will be introduced with a strong emphasis on gesture and the drawing of actions and kinetics. Students will explore drawing a stationary human figure as well as figures moving while dressed in flowing costumes and figures performing basic movements. The development of visual acuity and professionalism in criticism of artwork will play a key role in the course.

Prerequisite:Digital Illustration

CorequisiteDigital Illustration

Course ID: NM100Credits: 3

This course introduces students to the fundamentals of 3-dimensional modeling. Students learn basic modeling techniques, texture, lighting, and environmental effects, to create forms based on observed objects, as well as student's original concepts. Basic constructs are covered such as: primitive objects, polygon modeling, nurbs, booleans, extrusions, lofting, revolving/lathing, software interface navigation, model exporting and rendering. This course will provide training in a variety of industry-standard 3D design software.

Prerequisite:Interactive Media

Course ID: NM114Credits: 3

Expanding upon prior experience with 3D modeling and animation, students will take a deeper look into the specifics of lighting, texturing, and rendering. Advanced texturing techniques and methods, in combination with best practices for lighting various model scenarios, will be explored and then further refined through examining output from multiple renderers.

Prerequisite:3D Modeling

Course ID: NM123Credits: 3

Building upon knowledge of 3D modeling and rendering and 3D animation from earlier coursework, this course will focus on advancing 3D animation skills, techniques, and proficiencies towards creating an animated digital short film. Emphasis on refining application of the 12 animation principles, life-like animation, forward and inverse kinematics, scene staging, and camera work. This course will provide training in a variety of industry-standard 3D design software.

Prerequisite:3D Lighting, Texturing and Rendering

Course ID: NM142Credits: 3

This course is designed to refine skills in 3D character creation and effects. During this course students will explore advanced 3D modeling and animation theory and principles that focus on character animation as it applies to the gaming environment. Specifically, these principles and theories are applied to the context of interactive narratives and video games. Students will engage in the study of character posing and rigging for games, advanced animation, and morphing, blending, and similar techniques to create more expressive characters. This course will further prepare a student for industry certification in Autodesk 3ds Max.

Prerequisite:Figure Drawing and 3D Lighting, Texturing and Rendering

Course ID: NM270Credits: 3

General Education Courses

Upper Division

Communication(Required Course)

Visual Communication in the Media

This course examines how people understand their world through visual images. Students will examine how people visually gather, process, and interpret information presented through media sources.

Prerequisite:none

Course ID: G332Credits: 4

Humanities(Select 2 Courses)

American Literature

Contemporary World Literature: 1900 to the Present

Literature of American Minorities

Political Thought

This course surveys authors, genres, and movements in American literature from 1865 to the present, including representative works of Realism, Naturalism, Modernism, and Post- Modernism/Post-Structuralism. Students will engage in critical readings of exemplary literary texts from a diverse group of authors that have influenced American literature since the Civil War. Students will analyze how these works of literature exemplify particular historical moments in U.S. history, as well as how they communicate pertinent cultural issues such as gender, race, ethnicity, class, religion, sexual identity, community, region, and nation. In their study of the broad range of American fiction, poetry, and drama since 1865, students will analyze literary, aesthetic, and critical developments.

Prerequisites:English Composition; Introduction to Literature

Course ID: G330Credits: 4

This course explores how authors from around the world have engaged with important themes and historical events throughout the twentieth century. In studying these texts, students will examine the interplay of fiction and history, the varieties of literary style, and the qualities that link as well as distinguish works from different cultures. Students will respond to texts critically in discussion and essays, as well as research critical evaluations of literary topics, authors, etc.

Prerequisite:English Composition

Course ID: G335Credits: 4

This course introduces students to a variety of texts by American minority authors from the mid- 19th century to the present. The central focus of this course will be on literary responses to social marginalization based on race/ethnicity, gender, national origin, sexuality/sexual orientation, ability, and other factors. Students will study the effects of exclusionary and oppressive practices, both historical and present day, on writers' perceptions and literary representations of their times, contexts, and identity. Students will also be introduced to samples of the most common critical-theoretical approaches to the primary texts they will study in this class

Prerequisite:English Composition

Course ID: G435Credits: 4

The aim of this course is to understand and appreciate some important authors and traditions of political thought. The course will cover such topics as authority, consent, freedom, and obligation.

Prerequisite:none

Course ID: G440Credits: 4

Math/Natural Sciences(Select 1 Course)

Human Uses of the Environment

Physical Geography

Conservation of Resources

Gender in Math and Science

This course provides an in-depth exploration of the integrated relationship between human life and the surrounding environment, beginning with a study of the fundamental concepts and principles of ecology. Topics that are interwoven throughout the course include principles of ecology as seen in the structure and function of the ecosystem; pollution of air, soil and water resources; population explosion and the relationship of people, disease, and food production; and environmental controls necessary for survival.

Prerequisite:none

Course ID: G328Credits: 4

This course presents a study of the development and distribution of landforms, climates, minerals, soils and water resources. Interrelationships between the physical environment and regional patterns formed by these elements are analyzed against man's utilization of them.

Prerequisite:none

Course ID: G346Credits: 4

The purpose of this course is to provide students with important principles of ecology and resource management. Emphasis will be on local, national, and global environment problems and possible solutions to these problems.

Prerequisite:none

Course ID: G350Credits: 4

This course examines the personal and collective educational experiences, career paths, and discoveries of female researchers, teachers, and practitioners in the fields of mathematics and science.

Prerequisite:none

Course ID: G434Credits: 4

Social Sciences(Select 2 Courses)

American Religious History

Visions of America Since 1945

Comparative Politics

Work and Family

\"A survey of the contribution of religion to American culture, including the differences between rural and urban society, the development of religious freedom and the rise of a \"\"secular religion.\"\" Examines the emergence of new forms of belief and practice and the variety of religious issues confronting American society today.\"

Prerequisite:none

Course ID: G333Credits: 4

Since the end of World War II, popular culture has become an especially significant aspect of American history and an important element in many of our lives. Consequently, this course will explore the ways in which popular culture has represented and mediated conflicts and tensions post-World War II. Through this lens, issues of gender and family relationships, as well as class and racial politics, will be discussed. The dual role of television as a reflective and manipulative force in the new suburban family and the role Hollywood films played in the popular culture will be examined.

Prerequisite:none

Course ID: G380Credits: 4

This course will introduce students to the field of comparative politics by examining classification of political systems according to institutional and developmental characteristics. Causes and costs of political stability and instability will be explored. Comparison will be made between contemporary political institutions and processes in various countries.

Prerequisite:American/U.S. National Government

Course ID: G401Credits: 4

This course focuses on the overlapping worlds of work and family. It examines both the nature of the links that exist between the two major social institutions as well as the issues and problems that result from the combination of individuals' work and family responsibilities. An emphasis is placed on female labor force participation.

Prerequisite:none

Course ID: G425Credits: 4

Lower Division

English Composition(Required Course)

English Composition

This course is designed to guide students in understanding the writing process and developing their ability to write and express ideas in an organized, unified, and coherent manner. Students will produce college-level writing that reflects awareness of rhetorical strategies, writing purpose, student voice, and appropriate grammar, punctuation, and usage skills. Through reading, writing, discussion, research, and collaboration, students will practice effective writing and apply course concepts.

Course ID: G124Credits: 4

Communication(Select 1 Course)

English Composition 2

Introduction to Communication

Oral Communication

This course builds on students' understanding of the writing process through an exploration of various writing strategies and research. Students will analyze readings and apply critical reading and writing skills. This course will develop argumentative writing and application of research.

Prerequisite:English Composition

Course ID: G126ACredits: 4

The course will introduce students to basic models and theories of the communication process. Students will learn about a variety of elements involved in communication. They will also explore how factors such as race, ethnicity, age, socioeconomic status, and gender influence communication. Students will focus on developing an awareness of the effects of various types of communication on themselves and others. They will also develop practical skills for improving their ability to communicate in personal, social and professional contexts. Specific topics will include perception, self-concept, verbal and nonverbal communication, effective listening and communicating in culturally diverse settings.

This course will present students with a broad understanding of communication in a variety of contexts. Students will learn the processes and strategies of oral communication by exploring speech anxiety, audience analysis, and organizational speech patterns. Students will research, use supporting materials, and use effective language to develop and present a narrative, informative and persuasive speech.

Course ID: G227Credits: 4

Math/Natural Sciences(Select 2 Courses, Math Required)

Structure and Function of the Human Body

Scientific Literacy

General Education Mathematics

Introduction to Human Biology

College Algebra

Introduction to Astronomy

Introduction to Geology

This course provides a working knowledge of the structure and function of the human body. A general introduction to cells and tissues is followed by study of the anatomy and physiology of the skeletal and muscular systems. The student is introduced to the nervous, cardiovascular, respiratory, digestive, urinary, reproductive, and endocrine systems.

Course ID: G150Credits: 4

In this course students will explore the role that science plays in the world. Students will survey different natural sciences such as: biology, health sciences, chemistry, physics, astronomy, and geology; as well as analyze specific case studies from these fields. Throughout the course students will develop their scientific reasoning skills. They will learn about the scientific method as well as how to detect common fallacies and misuses of science.

Prerequisite:none

Course ID: G152Credits: 4

This course introduces students to topics from modern mathematics that are relevant to everyday life and not typically covered in the standard college math sequence. Students will be exposed to a variety of mathematical tools from diverse branches of mathematics. They will utilize these tools to solve interesting real-world problems. Topics may include, but are not limited to, game theory, graph theory, the mathematics of growth, applications of geometry, probability, and statistics.

Students will explore fundamental concepts of human biology. They will examine cell structure and function, body systems, and biochemistry. They will also learn basic concepts of genetics and evolution. Students will explore the relationship of human populations and the ecosystem. Students will complete laboratory exercise coordinated with course content.

Prerequisite:none

Course ID: G231Credits: 4

This course provides students with the skills to achieve mastery of algebraic terminology and applications including, but not limited to, real number operations, variables, polynomials, integer exponents, graphs, factoring, quadratic equations, and word problems.

Examines astronomical phenomena and concepts, including the solar system, stars and galaxies, planetary motions, atoms and radiation, and the origin and evolution of the universe.

Prerequisite:none

Course ID: G239Credits: 4

Examines basic geologic principles from a physical or historical perspective. Includes such topics as the formation of rocks and minerals; internal and external processes modifying the earth's surface and phenomena; and the evolutionary history of the earth, including its life forms, oceans and atmosphere.

Prerequisite:none

Course ID: G245Credits: 4

Humanities(Required Course*, Select 1 additional course)

Humanities

Film Appreciation

Creative Writing

Introduction to Critical Thinking

Introduction to Literature

Conversational Spanish

This course investigates human creative achievement. It is designed to increase the student's understanding and appreciation of cultural literacy and the pursuit of humanitarian goals. Representative disciplines may include art, music, literature, architecture, drama, and philosophy.

Prerequisite:none

Course ID: G125Credits: 4

Students will study different elements, forms, techniques and styles of film and will learn a critical approach to film and the motion picture industry. Students will critique films and filmmakers through various approaches and assessments that demonstrate analysis, interpretation, and evaluation skills as well as fostering a deeper appreciation and understanding of film as an art form.

Prerequisite:none

Course ID: G145Credits: 4

This course will develop the student's talents in creative writing. Various forms of writing will be studied, such as short stories, novels, poems, plays and non-fiction. Works by students and others will be critiqued. Students will also develop editorial skills so that each writer may revise and improve his/her work. Students will compose a minimum of 6000 words over the course of the program.

A study of the rules of valid judging and reasoning, both inductive and deductive, in a traditional, language-centered context rather than a symbolic context. Logical analysis of both formal and informal fallacies and of the consistency and logical consequences of a given set of statements. Logical analysis is applied to concrete problems dealing with our knowledge of reality.

Prerequisite:English Composition

Course ID: G224Credits: 4

This course offers an introduction to the most common literary genres: fiction, poetry, drama, and literary non-fiction. Students will study the basic elements of each genre, learn how to compare genres, become familiar with sample texts that illustrate the particularities of each genre, and practice the skills of analyzing and writing about literary texts. Reading and analysis of texts will include a variety of literary forms and periods. Students will engage in approaches to determine literary meaning, form, and value.

Prerequisite:none [English Composition recommended]

Course ID: G230Credits: 4

This course focuses on common words and phrases students need to develop a working vocabulary which will enable them to communicate with Spanish-speaking individuals in their personal and professional lives. Although oral communication is stressed, included is an overview of Spanish grammar, phonetic pronunciation and Hispanic culture.

Prerequisite:none

Course ID: G238Credits: 4

Social Sciences(Select 2 Courses)

Principles of Economics

Introduction to Sociology

Human Geography

General Psychology

Technology and Society

Understanding Cultures

Macroeconomics

Microeconomics

American/U.S. National Government

United States History: 1900 to the Present

Introduction to national income theories, price theories and behavior of the firm under varying economic conditions. Includes the economic roles of business, government and households; economic fluctuations and growth; money and banking; and international economics.

Prerequisite:none

Course ID: G123Credits: 4

This course introduces students to basic sociology terms and concepts. Students will understand how to apply sociological concepts and theories and analyze the structure and relationships of social institutions and the process of social change. Students will explore a variety of topics of sociological interest, including socialization, social inequality, social movements, and the impact of technology and social change on society.

Prerequisite:none

Course ID: G142Credits: 4

This course will introduce students to the systematic study of patterns and processes that have shaped human understanding, use, and alteration of Earth's surface. Students will employ spatial concepts and landscape analysis to examine human social organization and its environmental consequences.

Prerequisite:none

Course ID: G146Credits: 4

This course will provide students with a general understanding of basic methodologies, concepts, theories, and practices in contemporary psychology. Areas of investigation may include the goals and research methodologies of psychology, the science of the brain, theories of human development and intelligence, concepts of motivation and emotions, the science of sensation and perceptions, and the current practices pertaining to psychological disorders, therapies, and treatments.

Prerequisite:none

Course ID: G148Credits: 4

Students will examine the relationships, benefits, historical significance, and effects technology has on society. This course will investigate the local, national and global impact of technology on both individual and global cultures. This course introduces students to basic diversity and technology terms and concepts. Students will examine the influences that emerging technologies have on diversity awareness, the digital divide, and intercultural knowledge.

Prerequisite:none

Course ID: G149Credits: 4

This course is a comparative study of societies and cultures around the world and the cultures within the United States, focusing on the effects of ethnicity and race on African Americans, Latino, Asian American and Native Americans living in the United States. Topics include family, marriage, power, religion, values, inequality, social organization, language, social stratification, economic processes, conflicts and cultural and social change over time. Examples will be drawn from Africa, South America, North America, Asia and the Pacific Islands.

Prerequisite:none

Course ID: G200Credits: 4

In this course, students will learn the fundamentals of macroeconomics, which deals with the economy as a whole. An overview of the American economy will be explored through a study of basic supply and demand analysis and a review of fiscal and monetary policy to phases of the business cycle. Unemployment, inflation, GDP, and policy decisions which affect the American economy at home and abroad will be covered.

Prerequisite:none

Course ID: G203Credits: 4

Students will be introduced to the field of microeconomics in this course, including theories of production, determination of prices, and distribution of income in regulated and unregulated industries. Other topics may include industrial relations, monopolies, and comparative economic systems.

Prerequisite:none

Course ID: G204Credits: 4

This course presents the development and evolution of the American national government with emphasis on the structures and processes of our representative democracy, including its ties to culture, politics and policies, political parties, and state and local governments.

Prerequisite:none

Course ID: G242Credits: 4

This course provides an overview of the history of the United States during the 20th century up until the present day. The political, social, and economic aspects of this time will be explored amid a variety of human cultures, values, and perspectives within the United States.

Prerequisite:none

Course ID: G270Credits: 4

Total BA Degree Credits

General Education Credits: 56

Major and Core Credits: 102

Specialization Credits: 23

Total BA Degree Credits: 181

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